The Rams' Janoris Jenkins scores on one of his two INTs returned for a touchdown in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Cardinals. (US Presswire)

The problem with rookie cornerbacks is they sometimes get impatient and jump routes, only to get burned.

The problem with rookie quarterbacks playing against impatient rookie cornerbacks: Sometimes that bravado works.

Rams rookie DB Janoris Jenkins returned two interceptions by Arizona Cardinals first-year QB Ryan Lindley for touchdowns and the Rams flustered the San Diego State product in his first start to post a 31-17 win on Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt pulled quarterback John Skelton last week with Arizona leading 13-0 in Atlanta, the final hook coming after yet another overthrow. Lindley, though, suffered from many of the same issues against the Rams (4-6-1), who broke away from the Cardinals (4-7) in the second half.

Lindley threw four interceptions, including three in the second half, as St. Louis outscored Arizona, 17-0, in the final two quarters. Already staked to a 21-17 lead after a Sam Bradford-to-Chris Givens 37-yard touchdown, the Rams blew the game open as Jenkins plucked a flailing Lindley pass and returned it 39 yards for a score. On the first play of the second quarter, Jenkins returned his first interception for a touchdown, racing 39 yards as he became the first rookie since 1960 with two pick-6s in a single game and the first Ram ever to do it.

Bradford completed 8 of 17 passes for 207 yards and two scores, and Givens finished with five catches for 115 yards and the touchdown reception. RB Steven Jackson added 139 rushing yards for the Rams, who won for the first time since defeating the then 4-0 Cardinals on Oct. 4.

Since then its been one calamity after another for Arizona, and Lindley was just the latest quarterback thrown to the wolves. Lindley completed 31 of 52 passes for 312 yards but missed several open receivers.

When the game turned: When Lindley misfired on a 3-yard pass on 3rd-and-3 from the St. Louis 44-yard line, the Cardinals did not realize how quickly things would go south. After Arizona punter Dave Zastudil booted the ball to the Rams' 8-yard line, the St. Louis offense took over and took over. Jackson broke off a 46-yard gain, running back Daryl Richardson rushed for nine yards and Bradford connected with Givens for the long score. Three plays, 92 yards, and the Rams never looked back.

Highlight moments: Jenkins had a hand in both because he had his hands on both interceptions he returned for touchdowns. The first was a jolt in the arm, the second was a backbreaker, coming with the Rams up four and Arizona needing to sway the momentum back in its favor. Jenkins played with the poise of a veteran but the feistiness of a rookie, going and getting the ball when he had the opportunity.

Top-shelf performances:

  • Rams DB Janoris Jenkins -- 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns

     
  • Rams WR Chris Givens -- 5 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown

     
  • Rams RB Steven Jackson -- 24 carries for 139 yards

     
  • Cardinals WR Andre Roberts -- 9 catches for 92 yards

What they said about Ryan Lindley's four interceptions:

What they said about Ken Whisenhunt's job security

Numbers you should know: St. Louis out-rushed Arizona 173-74. ... Jenkins totalled 75 return yards on his two interceptions. ... Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald was targeted 12 times but only caught three passes.

Going forward: Cardinals -- Arizona zigzags the country the next two weeks, first traveling to play the New York Jets before heading back west for a matchup at Seattle. Rams -- St. Louis hosts a crucial divisional matchup with San Francisco before heading to Buffalo to face the Bills.

For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSCardinals on Twitter.

Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSRams.